Saturday, April 19, 2014

The Lenten Season has finally approached! It is the time of the year in which sacrificing is an obligation and the first thing that our family would like to accomplish is the Visita Iglesia.I know that most of you already knew what Visita Iglesia is all about. But for the benefit of those who does not, it is the devotion of the Christian people who drop by and repent from one church to another in order to finish the fourteen stations of Jesus' Way of the Cross. So, one could either visit seven or fourteen churches to satisfy the fourteen stations. Planning ahead is necessary for everything to flow smoothly with such ease and convenience. It has always been our family tradition to complete the fourteen churches during Lent. And since we've been doing it for years, we already had our routine. We divided them in half in such manner that we only need to visit seven churches in one day and other seven would be on the day after (Because seriously, it is hard to squeeze fourteen churches in one day). Therefore, we saved the Maundy Thursday and the Good Friday for our Visita Iglesia.

Few tips:

Location. A concrete idea about the church's location is the first thing to be considered. Expect heavy traffic because everyone would probably be doing the same thing, so you also have to familiarize its possible alternative routes. More than that, the location indicates the number of churches that can be visited around the area.

Time. We all have to be time-oriented because every second counts! If you love long drives and are planning to visit a church that's thousands of miles away, you better start as early as possible. Much better, prepare a time table that ensembles the travelling time, eating time, praying time and all the other details.

Outfit. I suggest you wear your most comfortable clothes and footwear. Put on the ones that are cozy enough to make you move easier, conservative enough to meet the proper attire inside the Church, light enough to bear the warm weather and the ones that won't make your feet hurt.

Snacks.Most definitely, you never wanna miss this. Due to the extreme summer heat, you will eventually get drained and exhausted, thus, it is better to bring snacks with you that can be eaten along the way.

Heat Protection. Since we are living under a tropical weather, 5 minutes under the sun feels like we're about to melt! Before the sun gets even hotter, better prepare your sunnies, snapbacks, sunblocks and umbrellas that can somehow reduce the summer feels.

VISITA IGLESIA 2014 CHURCHES

1.) SAINT VINCENT DE PAUL CHURCH - Adamson University, Manila

2.) SANTISIMO ROSARIO PARISH - University of Sto. Tomas, Manila

3.) NATIONAL SHRINE OF SAINT JUDE THADDEUS - Mendiola, Manila

4.) NATIONAL SHRINE OF SAINT MICHAEL AND THE ARCHANGELS - San Miguel, Manila

These churches are all beautiful on their own different structures. Some are too old to be antique, too historical to remember and others are too bright to look vibrant and inviting. They might have distinctions on their appearances but they all have one thing in common, they highly advocate Christ-centered living.

However, the main reason that we are doing Visita Iglesia is to bear with Him the burden He suffered on His Way of the Cross. It is our chance to walk with HIM! We don't only have to read between the lines but we also have to reflect and instill into our minds and hearts that GOD is our ultimate salvation. Somehow, we have to consider putting ourselves in His shoes so we could see the better picture. In that way, our relationship with Him will not only be deepened but will also be eternal. Let's keep in mind the quote, "Man is created in the image and likeness of God". The quote does not tell us to be as powerful, mighty and perfect as Him but it entails that we should be as generous, forgiving, righteous, trustworthy and helpful as Him. The weight of the cross that we have carried is nothing compared to the weight of the cross that He have carried.We will be forever grateful and forever be praising You for the precious life You have given for us.

Admittedly, we could never survive our journey without feeding ourselves these pleasures. After long, tiring walks and unveiling ourselves under the drastic hot weather, we all have one thing in mind and that is to eat and eat and eat! (RIP diet!)

Since almost all restaurants were closed during Holy Week, we end up eating at Shakey's. I love how this variety goes into one meal. Imagine.. a slice of pizza, pasta, mojos, garlic bread and one piece of chicken all in one plate! There's so much to choose from and enough to be confused on what to eat first. And obviously, we are a big lover of Mojos!

One way to outlast the severe hot temperature includes the chilled, icy, and cold halo-halo from Chowking and Magnum Gold. Yes, water is helpful but these came very functional at that point in time. And it became memorable to me, I have tried the Magnum Gold for the first time! (I know..I'm so behind!). Though it tastes nice, but if I were to ask between Magnum Gold and Magnum Classic, I'd probably be choosing the Classic one. How about you? :)

This is my favorite part.. I never thought I could capture such beauty as this. We came at the perfect timing, just when the sun is about to set. Perhaps this conveys that at the end of the day, our weariness and exhaustion were all worthwhile, that we have gained more than what we expected and that all things end according to His plan. Nothing's more uplifting than seeing a view as exquisite as this after a long and tiring day of sacrifice.